Bill Cosby Says Racism Could Have Played a Part in Sexual Assault Allegations

Bill Cosby said racism could influence the allegations made against him in a rare interview airing before he goes on trial on three counts of aggravated indecent assault next month.

Speaking with Michael Smerconish on the SiriusXM POTUS radio channel, Cosby suggested that racism could have played a part after being asked about his daughters' recent defense on his behalf. In a statement released Monday on the radio show "The Breakfast Club," Cosby's daughter Ensa Cosby said "racism has played a big role in all aspects of this scandal."

"Could be, could be," Cosby said when asked about Ensa's statement. "I can't say anything, but there are certain things that I look at, and I apply to the situation, and there are so many tentacles. So many different — nefarious is a great word. And I just truly believe that some of it may very well be that."

When asked what he made of people who put credence in the charges against him due to the high number of women who have made allegations, Cosby said accusations were "piling on."

"I think that the numbers came because the number prior to the numbers didn't work," he said. "So the piling on, so to speak, is a way — and certainly an impressive, impressive way — to get public opinion to come to the other side."